Week #48 of our 78-week humanitarian mission to Slovakia and Poland is in the books.

“We are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves, if only because we are the only sentient force which can change it." - James Baldwin.

Poland fact of the week . . . Malbork Castle isn’t just Poland’s biggest castle, it’s the biggest castle in the entire world. The 13th century castle covers 52 acres and looks like something from a fairy tale, with its beautiful brick spires, towers, and walls. With its riverfront location, it’s one of the most beautiful sites in the country.

As we have spent more time with Ukraine refugee children we have become acutely aware of the severe mental health challenges they face. We are inspired by their hopeful spirits but we can see the pain and uncertainty in their eyes.

We have partnered with the sister cities of Perechyn, Ukraine and Sobrance, Slovakia to provide funding for children from Perechyn to visit Slovakia this summer. The objective is to provide a safe and emotionally balanced environment where the children will receive assistance in dealing with and eventually overcoming the trauma, anxiety, and insecurity caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Hotel Energetik, a partner of Latter-day Saint Charities and retreat center for children, will host the group.

Perechyn Ukraine Sobrance Slovakia

In my Week #38 post I noted that I had met a disabled Roma man and his family as they traveled to their home from more than three miles away. That is a long, long way to travel in a broken wheelchair. I was drawn to the family as I was on a P-day bike ride. With the use of Google Translate we talked for a few minutes. As I arrived back at our apartment I felt the impression that I needed to find them and offer a new wheelchair. As a result of the challenging few months we have had recently I was unable to try to find the family as soon as I would have liked.

With the help of Elders Millett and Noftle, serving as my translators, we said a prayer and headed out to the Roma village where I believed the family lived. After showing the photo I had taken when I first met the family to several people we were directed to their home.

After the elders spoke to the group that had gathered around us for a few minutes the man, Roman, came down the street. We recognized each other, shook hands, I took the measurements of his chair, and let him know that we would be back with a new chair as soon as possible. If one new wheelchair is good two wheelchairs is even better. We asked if other residents were in a need of a wheelchair and the wife of a very elderly man who is unable to walk reluctantly came forward with his broken chair. As you can see, he was truly in need. I was able to purchase the chairs and delivered them by the end of the week.

We had a incredible experience as we 'closed' a project this week. Part of the humanitarian process is returning to each project when it is completed. We review what was done, meet with the director and staff, and interact with the people who will benefit from the project. Kelly is still in Utah supporting her family after the death in her family. Joining me on this visit were Sister Murri and Sister Farr, my translators and companions for the day.

Centrum sociálnych služieb Dubrava was established in 1961 as a social service facility. Dubrava currently provides permanent, long-term, and 24x7 care to 75 senior adults with significant mental disabilities, which includes schizophrenia and organic psychosyndrome of a severe degree. There are residents who also have mental and physical disabilities. Some of the residents have lived at Dubrava for more than 40 years.

We funded a greenhouse and a gazebo for the residents as time outside and occupational therapy such as working in a greenhouse have great benefits.

We continue to find the directors and staff of these types of facilities so kind, gracious, and dedicated to their residents. Several members of the staff have been working at Dubrava for more than 30 years. The opportunity to provide support to organizations like Dubrava and work with such wonderful people is all the thanks we need. That being said we are always treated to a wonderful day. Their director Marián Petro and his staff went above and beyond and treated us to a ribbon cutting ceremony, musical performances by the residents, a delicious lunch, and then dancing. "But Scott, you can't dance." you say. That is true and I have video to prove it. The residents love to dance so the three of us joined in on the fun.

I was also presented with a beautiful original painting of the Savior painted by Marián's daughter.

The summer beauty of Eastern Slovakia.

We pray you are well and that you will have a wonderful week.